“Tom Steyer’s online advertising effort, while limited to Facebook, represents a clear violation of the People’s Pledge Ed Markey signed with Stephen Lynch. Ed Markey signed the People’s Pledge to keep billionaires like Steyer from influencing our elections, and our campaign is committed to following the pledge now. We are taking action to notify Steyer’s group about the terms of our agreement with the Lynch campaign, and we will make a contribution to the charity of Stephen Lynch’s choice as the People’s Pledge dictates. We once again ask Tom Steyer to cease his Facebook advertising campaign, honor our People’s Pledge and end his involvement in this Senate race.”

Earlier today Ed Markey released the following statement denouncing Tom Steyer’s involvement in the race:

“As I stated when I first learned about Tom Steyer’s demands on Monday, these kinds of tactics have no place in our political discourse and should be repudiated. Mr. Steyer should immediately withdraw his threats and ultimatum, and stay out of this Senate race. This campaign should be about the people of this state, and I remain committed to giving Massachusetts voters a debate about the issues they care about most.”